All’s well that ends well for MacArthur Building
IT is confirmed. The MacArthur Bldg. was not demolished but prepared for restoration work.
And after a heated, emotional debate over the suspected demolition of the Home Economics Building, now known as the Mac Arthur Building at the West Central Elementary School of Dagupan, participated in by various sectors during a public hearing last week, all’s well and ended well between the protesters, the city government and the Department of Education (DepEd).
Key to this was the humility of Department of Education in accepting responsibility over lapses committed by its regional office and the contractor in failing to coordinate with concerned agencies before it proceeded with the stripping of the building of its walls, floors and ceiling.
DepEd Undersecretary for Administration Alain Pascua admitted to the lapses in DepEd’s Facebook account after relaying the same to the city through The PUNCH, and to the Jayceeken that strongly protested.
The apology of DepEd was reiterated in that hearing by Engr. Celso Manangan, regional engineer of DepEd Region 1 and it was calmly accepted by the stakeholders.
In the public hearing called by members of the city council led by Councilor Joey Tamayo on September 16, attended by stakeholders in the city’s heritage, the discussions were initially emotional but eventually with reassurances from DepEd representatives, smiles were seen on the faces of all those in attendance.
Councilor Tamayo also thanked Atty. Evelyn Panlaqui, chief of staff of Fourth District Rep. Christopher de Venecia for also attending the public hearing to help clear up the issue.
Panlaqui clarified that the funding for the restoration of the MacArthur building did not come from the funds of Rep. De Venecia but expressed serious concern, aware of the grand plan to enhance culture and tourism in the Fourth District, which includes the restoration of the MacArthur Building.
She also clarified that the congressman did not order or cause the “demolition” of the building as some were quick to allege.
“Totoo na gustung-gusto ni Congressman de Venecia na maayos ang MacArthur Building at sa katunayan ay kinausap pa ng congressman si Vice Mayor Bryan Kua na gumawa ng hakbang upang maideklara ito ng National Heritage Commission of the Philippines bilang heritage site”, Atty. Panlaqui said.
Both Panlaqui and Managan pointed out that Usec Pascua, in his letter to Education Secretary Leonor Briones in 2018, stated that DepEd already made an initial assessment of the Mac Arthur Building upon the request of Congressman De Venecia.
The result of such assessment was the basis of DepEd in the preparation of the restoration plans and the program of work for the building.
Councilors Dennis Canto and Cisco Flores joined Tamayo in that public hearing.
Before the end of the public hearing, outgoing DepEd Superintendent Lorna Bugayong called for the preservation of the artifacts inside the Mac Arthur Building and for DepEd to make a clear the view of the Gabaldon building from the national highway as requested by the Jayceeken led by Rex Catubig. (Leonardo Micua/Philstar Wire Service)
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